Brian Whelahan, the 1998 hurler of the year, is doubtful for Sunday's choice National Hurling League game between Offaly and Clare. Whelahan is again troubled by a recurring hamstring problem.

But manager Michael Bond has opted to leave the wing-back position vacant in the hope that the All-Star might recover.

Since losing heavily to Galway in Birr, the All-Ireland champions have been on the rise and have strengthened their panel in the build-up to the Easter Sunday tie. Kevin Kinahan, who won two All-Ireland medals with Offaly, is expected to return to the substitutes bench. The full back did not resume training until after Christmas and was immediately waylaid with a hamstring injury.

Also on the bench is Daithi Regan, another of the All-Ireland winning side. Regan broke his thumb in the league game against Galway. Although Michael Duignan is once more listed at corner forward, it is anticipated he will trade that role with Paudie Mulhare.

Clare have delayed naming their team to face Offaly in the eagerly awaited duel in Ennis until today. The local GAA contingent was last night in mourning at the removal of Micheal Gallagher, a highly regarded hurling correspondent with Clare FM, who passed away after an illness.

Eamon Cregan has made three changes to the Limerick team which lost to Clare for their clash with Dublin. Declan Nash, who just recently recovered from an arm injury he picked up in the opening league game against Antrim, returns at corner back in place of Steven McDonagh, who has been suspended following his dismissal against Clare.

Also in at half forward is James Moran, and Donal Ryan comes in the corner, supporting Shane O'Neill, who has impressed in each of Limerick's matches.

Declan Browne returns to the Tipperary hurling team for their match against Cork in Thurles on Easter Sunday. The 1998 football All-Star was rested last week as Nicky English's side fell heavily against Kilkenny, 3-14 to 1-13.

Quick-silver Browne replaces Eugene O'Neill, while Paul Kelly also loses out. English has left the right half forward position open in the hope that Paul Ormonde recovers from an injury he picked up in the previous game. Paul Shelley is again selected at full forward.

Leitrim have made two changes for their final league game against Armagh, a game which is academic in terms of final table standings.

The referee Mick Curley has, according to a report in today's Irish Independent, cited the former Wexford football manager JJ Barrett for striking in his match report, received by officials in Croke Park yesterday.

Curley apologised and resigned as manager on Monday after striking Barrett following Sunday's Church & General NFL game against Cavan in Breffni Park, Cavan.